Carpal Kinematics In the Normal, Scapholunate Deficient and Surgically Reconstructed Wrist

Abstract

Normal wrist function is ensured by a delicate interplay between bony architecture and soft-tissue constraints. Disruptions of this balance may alter carpal kinematics and joint contact, impairing the normal wrist physiology and biomechanics. The scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL), whose integrity is pivotal to normal scapholunate motion and that of the entire wrist, has been recognised as the most commonly injured carpal ligament. If left untreated, prolonged exposure to the altered joint motion may induce attrition of the secondary soft-tissue stabilisers, setting the stage for degenerative osteoarthritis. However, the exact role of these ligamentous stabilisers in maintaining norma..